![Creating a Plasma Blast in After Effects [Continuum + Sapphire ] @BorisFXco](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q0PUAVczQuQ/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this advanced After Effects tutorial, Design Director John Dickinson walks through the creation of a dynamic plasma blast effect using Sapphire, Continuum, and Mocha Pro. Learn how to integrate visual elements like volumetric lighting, tracked logos, and particle simulations to build a cinematic composition with depth and realism.
This breakdown covers everything from project setup and proxy optimization to advanced compositing techniques using Depth Map ML, UltraZap, and Particle Illusion. Whether you're a motion designer or VFX artist, this tutorial offers practical insights into layering, color linking, and effect orchestration for high-impact visuals.
Download the project file and follow along to elevate your After Effects workflow.
bit.ly/47w0HZO
// K E Y P O I N T S //
⦁ Creating a moody night scene using BCC+ Day for Night
• Using Depth Map ML with BCC+ Smoke & Fog for realistic depth-based compositing
• Logo tracking with Mocha Pro and integrating S_UltraZap electricity effects
• Creating volumetric lighting and occlusion using S_Hotspots, Set Matte and S_Rays
• Building a pulse explosion with Turbulent Noise, BCC Sphere, S_Rays and S_QuadTone
• Integrating the blast with the background using S_Distort and S_WarpPuddle
• Enhancing realism with Particle Illusion, BCC+ Color Link, S_UltraGlow and S_Dust
Learn more about Boris FX Suite here: borisfx.com/products/bfxsuite
//PROJECT FILE //
link
// D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
borisfxdiscord.com
#motiongraphics #VFX #videoeffects
/ / C H A P T E R L I S T / /
00:00 - Introduction
00:47 - Choosing the footage
01:31 - Adding Smoke using Depth Map ML
03:04 - Integrating the logo using Mocha Pro
05:08 - Compositing the logo
06:44 - Changing the mood with BCC+ Day For Night
07:26 - Creating volumetric light with S_Rays
10:12 - Adding electricity to the logo with S_UltraZap
13:41 - Adding sparks using Particle Illusion
15:49 - Enhancing the electricity with S_Rays and S_UltraGlow
16:39 - Creating the explosion
23:30 - Creating the shockwaves
29:11 - Displacing the background
31:32 - Faking explosion particles using S_Dust
32:53 - Enhancing realism with BCC+ Color Link
37:05 - Final thoughts
In this advanced After Effects tutorial, Design Director John Dickinson walks through the creation of a dynamic plasma blast effect using Sapphire, Continuum, and Mocha Pro. Learn how to integrate visual elements like volumetric lighting, tracked logos, and particle simulations to build a cinematic composition with depth and realism.
This breakdown covers everything from project setup and proxy optimization to advanced compositing techniques using Depth Map ML, UltraZap, and Particle Illusion. Whether you're a motion designer or VFX artist, this tutorial offers practical insights into layering, color linking, and effect orchestration for high-impact visuals.
Download the project file and follow along to elevate your After Effects workflow.
bit.ly/47w0HZO
// K E Y P O I N T S //
⦁ Creating a moody night scene using BCC+ Day for Night
• Using Depth Map ML with BCC+ Smoke & Fog for realistic depth-based compositing
• Logo tracking with Mocha Pro and integrating S_UltraZap electricity effects
• Creating volumetric lighting and occlusion using S_Hotspots, Set Matte and S_Rays
• Building a pulse explosion with Turbulent Noise, BCC Sphere, S_Rays and S_QuadTone
• Integrating the blast with the background using S_Distort and S_WarpPuddle
• Enhancing realism with Particle Illusion, BCC+ Color Link, S_UltraGlow and S_Dust
Learn more about Boris FX Suite here: borisfx.com/products/bfxsuite
//PROJECT FILE //
link
// D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
borisfxdiscord.com
#motiongraphics #VFX #videoeffects
/ / C H A P T E R L I S T / /
00:00 - Introduction
00:47 - Choosing the footage
01:31 - Adding Smoke using Depth Map ML
03:04 - Integrating the logo using Mocha Pro
05:08 - Compositing the logo
06:44 - Changing the mood with BCC+ Day For Night
07:26 - Creating volumetric light with S_Rays
10:12 - Adding electricity to the logo with S_UltraZap
13:41 - Adding sparks using Particle Illusion
15:49 - Enhancing the electricity with S_Rays and S_UltraGlow
16:39 - Creating the explosion
23:30 - Creating the shockwaves
29:11 - Displacing the background
31:32 - Faking explosion particles using S_Dust
32:53 - Enhancing realism with BCC+ Color Link
37:05 - Final thoughts
![Creating a Plasma Blast in After Effects [Continuum + Sapphire ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q0PUAVczQuQ/mqdefault.jpg "Creating a Plasma Blast in After Effects [Continuum + Sapphire ]
In this advanced After Effects tutorial, Design Director John Dickinson walks through the creation of a dynamic plasma blast effect using Sapphire, Continuum, and Mocha Pro. Learn how to integrate visual elements like volumetric lighting, tracked logos, and particle simulations to build a cinematic composition with depth and realism.
This breakdown covers everything from project setup and proxy optimization to advanced compositing techniques using Depth Map ML, UltraZap, and Particle Illusion. Whether youre a motion designer or VFX artist, this tutorial offers practical insights into layering, color linking, and effect orchestration for high-impact visuals.
Download the project file and follow along to elevate your After Effects workflow.
https://bit.ly/47w0HZO
// K E Y P O I N T S //
⦁ Creating a moody night scene using BCC+ Day for Night
• Using Depth Map ML with BCC+ Smoke & Fog for realistic depth-based compositing
• Logo tracking with Mocha Pro and integrating S_UltraZap electricity effects
• Creating volumetric lighting and occlusion using S_Hotspots, Set Matte and S_Rays
• Building a pulse explosion with Turbulent Noise, BCC Sphere, S_Rays and S_QuadTone
• Integrating the blast with the background using S_Distort and S_WarpPuddle
• Enhancing realism with Particle Illusion, BCC+ Color Link, S_UltraGlow and S_Dust
Learn more about Boris FX Suite here: https://borisfx.com/products/bfxsuite/
//PROJECT FILE //
link
// D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
https://www.borisfxdiscord.com/
#motiongraphics #VFX #videoeffects
/ / C H A P T E R L I S T / /
00:00 - Introduction
00:47 - Choosing the footage
01:31 - Adding Smoke using Depth Map ML
03:04 - Integrating the logo using Mocha Pro
05:08 - Compositing the logo
06:44 - Changing the mood with BCC+ Day For Night
07:26 - Creating volumetric light with S_Rays
10:12 - Adding electricity to the logo with S_UltraZap
13:41 - Adding sparks using Particle Illusion
15:49 - Enhancing the electricity with S_Rays and S_UltraGlow
16:39 - Creating the explosion
23:30 - Creating the shockwaves
29:11 - Displacing the background
31:32 - Faking explosion particles using S_Dust
32:53 - Enhancing realism with BCC+ Color Link
37:05 - Final thoughts")
![Burning Film Effect with Sapphire Builder [Preset Included]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QOOshMkaCfU/mqdefault.jpg "Burning Film Effect with Sapphire Builder [Preset Included]
In this Sapphire Effect Builder tutorial, Design Director John Dickinson shows you how to animate the Stuck In The Gate preset to create a stylish film burn effect, build a matte for text reveals, and add finishing touches like glow and distortion for cinematic titles.
🎬 Learn more about Sapphire and download a free trial: https://borisfx.com/products/sapphire/
// K E Y P O I N T S //
• Step‑by‑step setup of Stuck In The Gate with FilmBurn keyframes.
• How to create a black‑and‑white matte for dynamic text reveals.
• Adding UltraGlow, GradientRadial, and Distort for polished, realistic results.
// CHAPTERS //
00:00 - Introduction
00:19 - Applying the preset
01:07 - Repositioning the Flashes
01:53 - Quick node setup overview
02:23 - Applying a FilmEffect preset
03:00 - Parameter Links
04:48 - Animating the burn
07:25 - Repositioning the flashes after setting keyframes
07:50 - Turning off a Flash
08:21 - Creating a title reveal
12:55 - Final Thoughts
Learn more about Sapphire Effect and Effect Builder - https://youtu.be/n_g7HySSOVE?si=BGwWtG0TnzsVYKyy")
![Using the Pixel Chooser on my favorite Continuum effects | Boris FX Continuum [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SSioNYmZPJM/mqdefault.jpg "Using the Pixel Chooser on my favorite Continuum effects | Boris FX Continuum [2026]
Learn how to master the Pixel Chooser in Boris FX Continuum to create high-end composites and intelligent masking without ever leaving your NLE. In this tutorial, Emmy Award-winning producer Zak Ciotti demonstrates how the Pixel Chooser eliminates the guessing game of traditional masking by using AI-powered tools like Depth Map ML and Face ML.
Stop struggling with complex layer stacks and manual splines. Whether you are using Premiere Pro or other professional hosts, you can now use Depth Map ML to identify Z-space in a 2D shot or Face ML to surgically isolate features like lips and skin with one click. We’ll also dive into the Boris FX Effects Editor to show you how to multiply your creativity using hundreds of professional presets.
Master your VFX workflow and see why the Pixel Chooser advantage is the most impressive tool for video editors needing cinematic separation and depth-aware effects. Download the free trial in the description below and start executing high-end intelligent composites today.
LEARN MORE AND DOWNLOAD A TRIAL: https://borisfx.com/products/continuum/
// D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
https://www.borisfxdiscord.com/
// K E Y P O I N T S //
Using the Pixel Chooser to eliminate masking guessing games. Leveraging Depth Map ML to create organic, depth-aware VFX. Isolating anatomical features like lips and skin using Face ML. Accessing hundreds of professional presets via the FX Browser and Effects Editor. Creating cinematic separation with tools like Orbs and Chromatic Aberration.
EXPLORE THE FULL BORIS FX SUITE: https://borisfx.com/products/
// C H A P T E R L I S T //
00:00 - The Pixel Chooser Advantage
00:32 - Using the FX Browser and Professional Presets
00:52 - Chromatic Aberration Workflow in Premiere Pro
01:45 - Emulating the Into the Spider-Verse RGB Split
02:14 - Activating Depth Map ML for Z-Space Awareness
03:00 - Adding Cinematic Orbs with Depth Separation
05:02 - Golden Hour Effects with BCC Lights Rays
06:14 - Face ML: Surgical Feature Selection (Lips & Skin)
07:33 - Anatomy-Aware Masking vs. Motion Tracking
08:01 - Professional Retouching with BCC Beauty Studio
08:43 - Intelligent Compositing within your NLE
09:00 - Download the Boris FX Free Trial
#BorisFX #Continuum #PixelChooser #VideoEditing #PremierePro #VFX #AIMasking")
![Using the Lens Workflow during Export in SynthEyes [Boris FX]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/S_8b085kc9s/mqdefault.jpg "Using the Lens Workflow during Export in SynthEyes [Boris FX]
In this mini-tip Product Specialist Christoph Zapletal shows you how use the Lens Workflow options temporarily and non-destructively on export.
Learn more about SynthEyes here: https://borisfx.com/products/syntheyes/
// CG Assets kindly provided by kitbash3d.com //
https://kitbash3d.com/collections/vehicles
// D I S C O R D C H A N N E L //
https://www.borisfxdiscord.com/
#matchmove #VFX #cameratracking #lens")
